[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 171 (Tuesday, October 29, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H8548-H8549]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HOUSE APPROVAL OF VETERAN TREATMENT COURT COORDINATION ACT

  (Mr. HIGGINS of New York asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the 
House approval of the Veteran Treatment Court Coordination Act 
legislation led by Chairman Charlie Crist, of which I am a proud 
cosponsor, directing grants, training, and assistance for communities 
to establish and operate veteran treatment courts.
  In 2008, Buffalo City Court Judge Robert Russell established the very 
first veteran treatment court in the Nation. Today, there are over 400 
such courts. These specialized courts provide veterans, many battling 
substance abuse or post-traumatic stress disorder, with a tactical path 
to avoid jail and take command of their future.
  At their side are fellow veterans, also known as battle buddies, who 
serve as volunteer mentors, as well as judges and professional staff 
who can connect these warriors with VA benefits. Support for veteran 
treatment courts allows the Nation to give veterans what they have 
given us: freedom and peace.

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